Fibroid Symptoms
Uterine fibroids can cause a great deal of pain and heavy bleeding making it tough for women to carry on with their normal activities. Sometimes they can get so bad that they begin to affect her relationships and make it hard to enjoy time with her loved ones. Additionally, they can prevent her from being able to work and put her career or opportunities for advancement at risk.
The below listed symptoms are just some of the most common symptoms fibroids in the uterus can cause, and this is not a comprehensive list. It may not include some fibroid-related symptoms that you may be experiencing. If you believe the pain, discomfort, or other unpleasant symptoms you are dealing with may be caused by fibroids, contact the Atlanta Fibroid Center today for guidance on getting the help you need.
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Heavy menstrual bleeding
If fibroids are located close to the uterus lining, they can cause heavy and painful periods, often with blood clots, delayed periods, or spotting between cycles. You may need to double up on pads or use a cup to manage your flow, and experience constant lower abdominal or back pain during or between periods. Everyone’s symptoms and intensity may vary, but these are common signs of uterine fibroids.
Pelvic pain
If you have pain below your belly button and above your legs, it counts as pelvic pain. It can be caused by a lot of things. It may be harmless evidence of your fertility, a simple digestive disorder, or a red flag that you may have fibroids, endometriosis or another medical condition.
Back pain
There are multiple areas of the uterus where fibroids can grow. Intermural fibroids are located in the wall of the uterus, submucosal fibroids are located in the inside lining of the uterus, and subserosal fibroids are located in the outside lining of the uterus. Some fibroids can cause back pain.
Frequent urination
Some women diagnosed with uterine fibroids have pain and heavy menstrual bleeding. Other patients experience pressure on the bladder, frequent urination during periods and between periods, and frequent urination at night. Fibroids and frequent urination are frequent companions. It happens because uterine fibroids can press on the bladder which results in an almost constant need to look for a bathroom, although the bladder is not even close to being full. For the same reason, women with uterine fibroids suffer from frequent urination at night, sometimes waking up multiple times each night.
Painful sex
How might uterine fibroids affect a woman’s sex life? Uterine fibroids can make sex, especially vaginal sex, very painful. Women whose fibroids are growing in the upper portion of the uterus are more likely to have dyspareunia. There are several things you can do to help pain during penetration, but the true reason of dyspareunia must be addressed to completely get rid of pain during sex.
Constipation
Large fibroids can cause symptoms such as heavy bleeding, the need to urinate frequently, constipation, bloating, and pain. Constipation and fibroids are frequent companions.
Fibroids cause constipation directly and indirectly. The uterus lies directly in front of the distal end of the colon (i.e. rectosigmoid region). Fibroids that develop in the back of the uterus can press on the colon from the outside, and in some cases, cause significant constipation. Women that have fibroids that cause heavy menstrual bleeding can become anemic, which may require them to take iron supplements. These supplements often cause constipation, too.
Leg pain
If a fibroid is located on the back of the uterus, it is very close to the spinal column. If it becomes large enough it can press on or pinch the nerves in that area resulting in lower back pain. It can also cause sciatica as the fibroid presses against the sciatic nerve and sends pain down the back of the legs.
Enlarged uterus
Pregnancy isn’t the only potential reason for an enlarged uterus. Two of the most common causes of an enlarged uterus are uterine fibroids and adenomyosis. Uterine fibroids are very common tumors affecting as many as 8 in 10 women by the age of 50 (especially African American women). Adenomyosis occurs when the tissue that normally lines the uterus (endometrial tissue) thickens.
Infertility
Fibroids can affect your fertility. Fibroids that change the shape of your cervix can affect the number of sperm able to enter the uterus. Fibroids that weaken the lining of the uterine cavity or decrease the blood supply to a growing embryo can cause a miscarriage. Fertility can also be affected by scars from a myomectomy (fibroid surgery).
Anemia
Heavy blood loss due to fibroids can cause anemia. Anemia can lead to shortness of breath, fatigue, and serious health problems. Anemia can be treated by addressing the reason causing the condition. If anemia is caused by uterine fibroids, they need to be treated.
